LCMS Handbook
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Bylaws | 1.10 | pp. 39-54
1.10 Dispute Resolution of the Synod Preamble 1.10.1 When disputes, disagreements, or offenses arise among members of the body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole church. Conflicts that occur in the body should be resolved promptly ( Matt. 5:23– 24; Eph. 4:26 – 27). Parties to disputes are urged by the mercies of God to proceed with one
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Bylaws | 1 | pp. 21-54
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD 1.1 Purpose of the Synod 1.1.1 Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod join with one another in the Synod to support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly adopted objectives. The Synod is organized to work in support of and on be
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Page | 47 | p. 47
(3) Discretionary acts: The Appeal Panel may approve an appeal if there was a clear abuse of discretion impacting the decision of the Dispute Resolution Panel, resulting in a gross miscarriage of justice, or that involves an obvious and inappropriate bias or prejudice. 1.10.8.3 Within 30 days after its formation, the Appeal Panel shall issue its written deci
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Page | 48 | p. 48
as the SOPM) by the secretary of the district to serve as reconciler in the following situations arising in the district: (a) Procedural questions involved in excommunication cases; (b) Cases in which a member of the Synod shall have been removed from the position that such member holds in a congregation that is a member of the Synod; (c) Cases in which a pe
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Page | 39 | p. 39
(l) Should any problem arise between an author, the reviewer(s), the publisher, or any other party involved with respect to the material submitted for review, the sponsoring group shall endeavor to resolve it to the satisfaction of the reviewer(s). If it cannot do so, the problem shall be submitted to the Commission on Doctrinal Review which shall follow the
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Page | 40 | p. 40
been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Christ’s “ministry of reconciliation” is one of the church ’s foremost priorities. 1.10.1.4 Christian conflict resolution seeks to resolve disputed issues in a manner pleasing to God. Those in conflict are urged to proceed prayerfully in good faith and trust. Disputes are more likely
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Page | 49 | p. 49
facilitators shall be filled by the Secretary of the Synod from the Synod roster of reconcilers (whether already serving, before the convention, or, being newly appointed, after their post -convention training) after consultation with the appropriate district presidents. (b) Any vacancy in an unexpired term shall be filled in the same manner as described ab
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Page | 50 | p. 50
(d) The Secretary of the Synod shall correct any problem with the panel from the remaining names by blind draw according to the SOPM. In the event that additional names are needed, three names will be selected in the manner set forth above and those names submitted to each party, who shall have the right to strike one. In the event that there is more than on
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Page | 44 | p. 44
If the secretary of the Synod or district is a party to the matter in dispute, has a conflict of interest, or serves as a witness, then the President of the Synod or the district president, as appropriate, shall appoint an administrator of the process in the matter. 1.10.6.1 The administrator shall within 15 days select the reconciler in the manner hereinaft
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Page | 45 | p. 45
Procedure of a Dispute Resolution Panel 1.10.7 If the parties to a dispute with the assistance of the reconciler have been unable to achieve reconciliation, the complainant shall notify the Secretary of the Synod within 15 days after receiving the report from the reconciler if the matter is to be presented to a Dispute Resolution Panel. 1.10.7.1 If the compl
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Page | 51 | p. 51
or from any of the panel members’ districts. The hearing facilitator shall not have assisted the previous Hearing Panel. (c) The list shall be mailed simultaneously to each party, who shall be entitled to strike one name and return the list to the Secretary of the Synod within one week. (d) The Secretary of the Synod shall correct any problem with the panel
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Page | 52 | p. 52
shall be from the same district. If more names remain than are needed, the final selection shall be made by blind draw. (d) In the event that additional names are needed, three names shall again be selected in the manner set forth above, which names shall be submitted to each party with the right to strike one name before returning the list to the Secretary
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Bylaws | 2 | pp. 55-99
matters as advice and counsel as well as suspension of membership and forfeiture of it for failure to continue to meet membership requirements. In protecting the rights of members, provision has also been made for challenging those decisions by ecclesiastical supervisors that result in suspension or loss of membership and for restoration of membership when n
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Bylaws | 3 | pp. 100-195
3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
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Page | 9 | p. 9
Foreword The Handbook of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod contains the body of laws that our member congregations have set out to order our life together— a body of laws in service of the Gospel . This edition incorporates changes made by the 68 th Regular Convention of the Synod , meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 29– August 3, 2023, to the Bylaws of th
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Page | 41 | p. 41
(a) Disputes concerning property rights (e.g., real estate agreements, mortgages, fraud, or embezzlement); and (b) Disputes arising under contractual arrangements of all kinds (e.g., contracts for goods, services, or employment benefits). Even in the case of disputes concerning property rights or disputes arising under contractual arrangements, this dispute
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Page | 43 | p. 43
Matthew 18:15 and may involve the informal use of a reconciler. And further, before any matter is submitted to the formal reconciliation process, the complainant must meet and consult with the appropriate ecclesiastical supervisor to seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 1.10) or whet
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Page | 46 | p. 46
Reconsideration of a Dispute Resolution Panel Decision 1.10.8 Within 15 days after receiving the decision of the Dispute Resolution Panel, any party to the dispute or the President of the Synod, if a question of doctrine or practice is involved (Constitution Art. XI B 1–3), may appeal the decision. The President may also request that an opinion of the Commis
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Page | 4 | p. 4
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD ................................................ 21 1.1 Purpose of the Synod ............................................................................................ 21 1.2 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................... 21 1.3 Synod Relation
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Bylaws | 1.5 | pp. 27-34
1.5 Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod General 1.5.1 Board and commission members of all agencies shall be members of member congregations of the Synod. 1.5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified or permitted by the Bylaws, chief executives and executive directors, faculty, staff, and all other employees on either the national or district lev
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Page | 54 | p. 54
(3) An individual member of the panel may, through the hearing facilitator, also request resource materials and personal assistance from the executive director of the CTCR or from a theologian recommended by the executive director, this to provide an opportunity to read about, discuss with a knowledgeable person, and better comprehend doctrina l matters asso
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Bylaws | 2.14 | pp. 67-77
2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod Preamble 2.14.1 Termination of membership in the Synod is a serious matter involving both the doctrine and life of those to whom it has been granted. Such action should only be taken as a final step when it is clear that those who are being terminated after previous futile admonitio
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Bylaws | 3.1 | pp. 100-112
3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It
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Page | 109 | p. 109
(4) Daily minutes shall be prepared by the Secretary ’s office for inclusion in Today’s Business. (j) The date and site of Synod conventions shall be established in the following manner. (1) The President, in consultation with the convention manager, shall decide upon the dates of Synod conventions. (2) The Board of Directors of the Synod, in consultation wi
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Bylaws | 3.9 | pp. 145-154
3.9 Commissions 3.9.1 The commissions of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod are the following: 1. Commission on Constitutional Matters 2. Commission on Doctrinal Review 3. Commission on Handbook 4. Commission on Theology and Church Relations Commission on Constitutional Matters 3.9.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters exists to interpret the Constitut
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Page | 32 | p. 32
(3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office (4) No longer satisfying any of the qualifications for directors set forth in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the entity as in effect at the beginning of the member’s term (5) Conviction of a felony (6) Failure to disclose conflicts of interest to the Synod or agency (7) Conduct evidencing a scand
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Page | 34 | p. 34
(1) Incapacity (2) Breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the Synod or a district (3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office (4) Conviction of a felony 1.5.8.1 Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the procedure for removal of an officer of the Synod or a district from office shall be as follows: (a) Action for removal of an officer of a distr
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Page | 42 | p. 42
(k) Persons involved : “Persons involved” includes the complainant, the respondent, the administrator of the process, the ecclesiastical supervisor, a reconciler, panel members, the hearing facilitator, a witness, an advisor, or any others involved in the dispute resolution process. (l) Reconciler: As used in this chapter, a member of The Lutheran Church— Mi
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Page | 69 | p. 69
(d) Conflict of interest : Representation of two opposing interests. Carrying out the responsibility of ecclesiastical supervision does not give rise to conflict of interest. (e) Ecclesiastical supervision: See Bylaw 1.2.1 (j). (f) Face-to-face: A face-to-face meeting in person between the accuser and the accused in the manner described in Matthew 18:15. E -
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Page | 70 | p. 70
notice, including information that results in public notice, whether or not the person or persons delivering it gave approval to the bringing of the information to public notice. (r) Reconciliation committee: A small committee appointed by the ecclesiastical supervisor (prior to the determination whether or not to proceed) to assist in reconciliation efforts
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Page | 80 | p. 80
seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 2.15) or whether the matter falls under Bylaw sections 2.14, 2.17, or 1.8, or dispute resolution under Bylaw section 1.10. In regard to this consultation: (a) If and when the accuser’s district president (if the district president is not the one a
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Page | 87 | p. 87
Consultation 2.16.3 When a district president of the Synod is aware of information which could lead to the expulsion of the President of the Synod from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, prior to any formal written complaint or accusation, the district president shall consult with the Council of Presidents to seek advice and also so that it ca
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Page | 92 | p. 92
shall amend as necessary the Standard Operating Procedures Manual that serves as a comprehensive procedures manual for the bylaw provisions set forth in Bylaw section 2.16. 2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior 2.17.1 The action to commence expulsion of an individual from membership i
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Page | 147 | p. 147
(c) Thereafter, the appointments shall become effective upon ratification by a majority vote of the members of the Council of Presidents. (d) Vacancies in appointed positions shall be filled by following the procedure set forth above. 3.9.2.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall interpret the Synod ’s Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions upon the
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Page | 153 | p. 153
3.9.5.2.3 The executive committee of the commission shall, within 30 days, provide opinions on theological matters in response to questions presented by ecclesiastical supervisors or panels as described in the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion processes of the Synod (Bylaw sections 1.10 and 2.14– 2.17). Because these opinions are in response to a s
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Bylaws | 5 | pp. 203-207
5. CIRCUITS 5.1 Visitation Circuits 5.1.1 A visitation circuit is a network of congregations that “walks together ” for mutual care, support, advice, study, ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and counsel — all for the sake of greater congregational participation in God’s mission. 5.1.2 Districts shall establish visitation circuit
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Page | 205 | p. 205
under dispute resolution of the Synod as outlined in section 1.10 of these Bylaws. (j) He shall regularly convene the pastors of his circuit for circuit conferences. (k) He shall regularly report on his activities to the district president. (l) The district president shall meet with the circuit visitors of the district at least once per year to discuss their
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Bylaws | 6 | pp. 208-214
6. AUXILIARY AND RECOGNIZED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS 6.1 Auxiliaries 6.1.1 An auxiliary exists as an arm of the Synod and has as its primary function aiding the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and mission of the Synod. Auxiliary status is presently limited to the International Lutheran Laymen’ s League and the Lutheran Women’ s Missiona
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Page | 209 | p. 209
(h) Call and, in any sense involving distinctive function(s) of the pastoral office, be served by only those ordained ministers or candidates designated by Bylaw 2.5.2. (i) Call only those commissioned ministers or candidates designated by Bylaw 2.5.3. 6.1.2.2 Auxiliaries shall continue to meet the above requirements for continued recognition. 6.1.3 An auxil
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At 3:07 each day, remember John 15:7 and pray for Christ's Church, the convention, our leaders, and the work of the Gospel among us.
